Majid Al Futtaim introduces mall-bots
Dubai Future Foundation, Majid Al Futtaim launch retail robotics pilot
#UAE #Robotics - Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has partnered with UAE-baseed retail conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim to launch the region's first robotics pilot in a shopping mall environment. Two avatar-style robots are assisting visitors with navigation at City Centre Mirdif as part of the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme. The collaboration prioritises real-world customer feedback over laboratory testing to ensure robotics technology adapts to human behaviour rather than requiring shoppers to modify their shopping patterns.
SO WHAT? - Although attitudes in the UAE towards AI are in general positive, they are constantly changing, as are consumer needs. The new robot pilot aims to explore the current needs of mall visitors and help shape autonomous assistant services using real customer data. A recent survey by payment platform Adyen, found that 70% of UAE consumers have used ChatGPT or similar AI assistants for shopping. However, consumer habits depend a great deal on their profile, intent and location. The new pilot aims to zoom in on what adds value for the consumer.
Here are some key points about the mall robot pilot:
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and UAE-based retail conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim have launched the region's first robotics pilot in a shopping mall to discover the needs and behaviours of shoppers.
The pilot operates under Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme. The emirate’s programme was launched in 2022 to drive advanced technology adoption across Dubai's key economic sectors.
Avatar robots provide wayfinding assistance and accessibility support whilst collecting real-time feedback data to inform future robotics applications in retail environments
The initiative forms part of a research collaboration between Dubai Future Labs and Japan's Osaka University under the Moonshot Research and Development Programme
Japan's programme targets establishment of an "Avatar-Symbiotic Society" by 2050, enabling people to transcend physical and spatial limitations through advanced robotics technology
City Centre Mirdif serves as the initial testing location for a planned multi-stage rollout across Majid Al Futtaim's broader property portfolio
The partnership addresses legal, ethical, and societal implications of robotics integration whilst ensuring technology deployment reflects community needs and values
Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim operates as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia's leading retail, leisure, and lifestyle group with extensive shopping mall portfolios across multiple markets
ZOOM OUT - The City Centre Mirdif robotics pilot is just one initiative in Majid Al Futtaim's comprehensive digital transformation strategy spanning multiple emerging technologies and departmental use cases. The conglomerate opened its first AI-powered checkout-free Carrefour City+ store at Mall of the Emirates in 2021, partnering with California-based automation specialists AiFi Inc. The group also already operates robotics fleets across Carrefour supermarkets for stock management and has explored robotic delivery partnerships with last-mile logistics companies. Majid Al Futtaim has also invested heavily in the development of AI agents.
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]
Read more about AI in UAE retail:
70% of UAE consumers have used AI assistants to shop (Middle East AI News)
Is the jury out on cashierless stores? (Middle East AI News)
New cashierless store in Abu Dhabi (Middle East AI News)